Cell polarity is a structural and functional specialization essential to proper function of most eukaryotic cells. For example, polarization is required for the long-range communication by neurons and the vectorial transport of ions and solutes across epithelial cells. To establish and maintain cell polarity, plasma membrane proteins must be selectively targeted to and retained in their proper membrane domains. This must be a demanding task for a structurally complex cell such as the neuron, which is able to localize proteins with nano- to micrometer precision in its extensive and large surface area. With my research I wish to understand how this is achieved at the molecular level. By using ion channels as model proteins, I address how polarized cells such as epithelial and neuronal cells establish and maintain a polarized distribution of plasma membrane proteins at the cell surface. Technically, I focus on imaging methods to study these questions which includes dynamic, live-cell imaging studies, where we directly follow polarized transport and plasma membrane dynamics of fluorescently tagged proteins in living epithelial and neuronal cells.

Primary fields of research

Protein trafficking in epithelial and neuronal cells

Ion channels

The axon initial segment of neurons

Cell signaling in epithelial and neuronal cells and its impact on protein trafficking/localization

Molecular basis of channelopathies (diseases caused by dysfunction of ionchannels)

Teaching

Teach anatomy and histology of the organs systems to medical-, dental and molecular biomedicine students